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Friday, August 21, 2009

Hi Folks-Below is a HC beautification suggestion from one of our HC resident, Eric L. Many have had ideas along these lines in the past but Eric has formalized them here. Let us know what you think... could be fun and can only improve the fabulous HC! Perhaps we could address this at the September 16th HC board Mtg.-Sara

==========================Hickory Cluster Garden Adoption & CompetitionHickory Cluster is great, but it can be better. One area that seems neglected and far from fulfilling their potential are the cluster gardens. The size and number of these gardens (and associated common areas) are unique to Hickory - and a huge asset. Nevertheless, but with a few notable exceptions, the gardens today are over grown and look unkempt.

I’d like to propose a three-part idea to change this:

Garden AdoptionEach garden can be ‘adopted’ by one to four homes, creating a garden team. Small plaques would be made to show identify which homes (Teams) have adopted which gardens.

Seed MoneyEach garden team would get a small amount (for example, $200) from the Hickory Board to get started. The teams could add to this amount - and possibly develop fun and creative fund raising (e.g., a garden BBQ or dinner party fund raiser?).

Spring and Fall Garden Competitions & PartyTwice a year a competition would be held for the best cluster garden. A panel of independent judges would be assembled (e.g., Robert Simon?) to tour cluster and rate each garden on a set of criteria. Afterwards, there would be a cluster BBQ/party where the results would be announced and award given out.

I see the Hickory Garden Competition both raising the beauty of the neighborhood, and further fostering a great sense of Cluster community.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Please note the following community meeting being hosted by Supervisor Hudgins regarding the Wiehle Avenue Project:

Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station - Community Meeting: Currently under consideration is a pending land use application to amend the zoningclassification in order to implement the mixed-use environment, including 2,300+ space multi-deck parking garage along with office, hotel, residential and retail space. There will be a community meeting on the Wiehle Station on Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Want to Know More? To set up a briefing for your homeowners association, civic group, or business please email outreach@dullesmetro.com or call (703) 448-5550.

Construction Progress More VisibleConstruction activities are officially underway along the entire alignment of Phase 1 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

Dulles Connector Road/I-66 InterchangeCaissons and piers, which will support foundations for at-grade andaerial track work, are being built. You will continue to see more of these develop along the Dulles Connector Road median in the coming months.

Dulles Connector RoadDuring the week of Aug. 10, overnight work will close the eastbound Dulles Connector Road (Route 267) ramp to northbound Route 123. Drivers will be directed to detour by using the ramp to southbound Route 123 and using the traffic signal to access the northbound lanes.

Route 123Early preparation of the eastern portion of the 2,400-foot tunnel has begun at Route 123 and International Drive, including construction of a concrete plant. This month, other equipment and facilities essential to the tunnel construction will be put into place. Preliminary foundation work is taking place for the Tysons Central 123station at Route 123 and Tysons Boulevard.

Route 7The ramp from southbound Route 123 to Route 7 will close temporarily overnight Aug. 7-8. Construction crews will permanently remove traffic signals and reconfigure the traffic plan. After Aug. 8, the ramp will only reopen for westbound Route 7 only. Eastbound Route 7 fromsouthbound 123 will remain closed. Please use southbound International Drive to access eastbound Route 7. The two-way Frontage Road along the north side of Route 123 between International Drive and Route 7 is subject to nighttime closures to support ongoing utility relocations. Business access remains open during this work. Work has begun on the western portion of the tunnel at the northwest cloverleaf at Route 7 and Route 123 along the Frontage Road. Dulles International Airport Access Highway (DIAAH) and Dulles Toll Road (DTR)Construction has started in the median of the DIAAH near the future Wiehle Avenue station. Ongoing Work Utility relocations and occasional lane closures will continue alongthe Route 7 service roads, portions of Route 123, the DIAAH and theDTR. Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout this work. Ramp closures are scheduled at night in order to avoid peak traffic hours. Motorists should stay alert and be prepared to alter their travel along these roads.